CN110049714B

CN110049714B - System and method for promoting wakefulness

Info

Publication number: CN110049714B
Application number: CN201780075875.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·K·措内瓦; G·N·加西亚莫利纳
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2016-12-06
Filing date: 2017-12-05
Publication date: 2022-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-05
Also published as: WO2018104309A1; JP7132936B2; CN110049714A; JP2020513289A; EP3551043B1; US20200069905A1; EP3551043A1; US11202882B2

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to manipulating electrical activity in the brain of a subject to promote arousal. The system comprises: a sensory stimulator; a sensor configured to generate output signals conveying information related to brain activity, activity of the central nervous system, and/or activity of the peripheral nervous system of a subject; and a processor configured to: receiving a target wake up time for the object; determining one or more activity parameters of the subject during a sleep session; determining whether the one or more activity parameters indicate that the subject is in deep sleep a predetermined amount of time before the target wake up time; and in response to the one or more activity parameters indicating that the subject is in deep sleep, causing one or more sensory stimulators to guide the activity parameters and facilitate/accelerate a transition from deep sleep to light sleep prior to the target wake moment.

Description

System and method for promoting wakefulness

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for manipulating electrical activity in a subject's brain to promote arousal.

Background

Systems for monitoring sleep are known. Sensory stimulation during sleep is known. Sensory stimuli during sleep are often applied continuously and/or from time to time, which are not intended to affect the sleep pattern of the subject to cause sleep stage transitions. The present disclosure overcomes the deficiencies in prior art systems.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, one or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system configured to facilitate arousal of a subject during a sleep session. The system includes one or more sensory stimulators, one or more sensors, one or more hardware processors, and/or other components. The one or more sensory stimulators are configured to provide electrical, magnetic, and/or sensory stimulation to the subject during the sleep session. The one or more sensors are configured to generate output signals conveying information related to brain activity, activity of the central nervous system, and/or activity of the peripheral nervous system of the subject. The one or more hardware processors are configured by machine-readable instructions to: receiving a target wake up time for the object; determining one or more activity parameters of the subject during the sleep session based on the output signals; determining whether the one or more activity parameters indicate that the subject is in deep sleep a predetermined amount of time before the target wake up time; and in response to the one or more activity parameters indicating that the subject is in deep sleep, cause the one or more sensory stimulators to control the frequency and/or intensity of the stimulation to guide the one or more activity parameters of the subject and facilitate (e.g., accelerate and/or otherwise facilitate) a transition from deep sleep to light sleep prior to the target wake up time such that the subject is naturally awakened from sleep at or near the target wake up time.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for facilitating arousals in a subject during a sleep session using an arousal system. The system includes one or more sensory stimulators, one or more sensors, one or more hardware processors, and/or other components. The method comprises the following steps: receiving, with the one or more processors, a target wake up time for the object; generating, with the one or more sensors, output signals conveying information related to brain activity, activity of a central nervous system, and/or activity of a peripheral nervous system of the subject; determining, with the one or more hardware processors, one or more activity parameters of the subject during the sleep process based on the output signals; determining, with the one or more hardware processors, whether the one or more activity parameters indicate that the subject is in deep sleep a predetermined amount of time before the target wake up time; and responsive to the one or more activity parameters indicating that the subject is in deep sleep, causing the one or more sensory stimulators to control a frequency and/or intensity of electrical, magnetic, and/or sensory stimuli provided to the subject to guide the one or more activity parameters of the subject and to facilitate (e.g., accelerate and/or otherwise facilitate) a transition from deep sleep to light sleep prior to the target wake-up time such that the subject naturally wakes up from sleep at or near the target wake-up time.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for facilitating arousal of a subject during a sleep session. The system comprises: means for receiving a target wake up time for the subject; means for generating output signals conveying information related to brain activity, activity of the central nervous system, and/or activity of the peripheral nervous system of the subject; means for determining one or more activity parameters of the subject during the sleep session based on the output signals; means for determining whether the one or more activity parameters indicate that the subject is in deep sleep a predetermined amount of time before the target wake up time; and means for controlling a frequency and/or intensity of electrical, magnetic, and/or sensory stimulation provided to the subject for directing the one or more activity parameters of the subject and facilitating (e.g., accelerating and/or otherwise facilitating) a transition from deep sleep to light sleep prior to the target wake-up time such that the subject naturally wakes up from sleep at or near the target wake-up time in response to the one or more activity parameters indicating that the subject is in deep sleep.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosure.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system configured to facilitate arousals in a subject during a sleep session;

FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates operations performed by the system;

fig. 3 illustrates a headset worn by a subject including a sensing electrode and a wireless audio device; and is provided with

FIG. 4 illustrates a method for facilitating arousal of a subject using an arousal system.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are "coupled" shall mean that the parts are joined or operated together, either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components), so long as the link occurs. As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements are in direct contact with each other. As used herein, "directly coupled" or "fixed" means that two components are coupled so as to move in unison while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other.

As used herein, the word "unitary" means that the components are created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a "unitary" component or body. As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts or components "engage" one another shall mean that the parts exert a force against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components. As used herein, the term "number" shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and without limitation, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, rear and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 10 configured to facilitate arousal of a subject 12 during a sleep session. The sleep process may be and/or include a sleep night, a nap, and/or other sleep processes. System 10 is configured to facilitate (e.g., accelerate and/or otherwise facilitate) the transition from the deeper sleep stages to the lighter sleep stages by monitoring brain activity, activity of the central nervous system, and/or activity of the peripheral nervous system of subject 12 and providing stimuli to subject 12 to direct the activity parameters. In the system 10, activity information generated by the sensors is used to control the stimulation. Coma and sink just after a wake alarm is common. This period of incomplete arousal, low arousal, and/or reduced ability to perform simple tasks is referred to as sleep inertia and is more pronounced if arousals occur from deep sleep. Sleep inertia is characterized by a decline in cognitive throughput that occurs after a sleep process and is exacerbated when a subject awakens from deep non-REM sleep. The damage caused by sleep inertia is similar to an intoxicating effect and can be dangerous to shift workers and/or others working and/or engaged in other activities shortly after awakening.

Normal sleep is characterized by sleep stages that occur in a cyclical manner (e.g., sleep cycle) and have different contributions to the restorative value of sleep. Typically, five sleep stages are identified using Polysomnography (PSG). Stages N1 and N2 are stages of mild sleep characterized by sertraline (4-8Hz) oscillating brain activity and sleep spindles and K-complexes, respectively. Stages N3 and N4 are stages of deep sleep characterized by slow wave and delta activity (0.5-4 Hz). REM sleep typically occurs after about 90 minutes of sleep onset and is characterized by increased eye movement, breathing rate, and/or breathing. These sleep stages are described further below.

To avoid sleep inertia effects, conventional systems wake the sleeping user whenever a light sleep (e.g., stage N1 or N2) is detected. However, the light sleep may not occur at the alarm wake-up time set by the user. Thus, conventional systems change the user's wake-up time from the desired wake-up time (e.g., earlier or later). This variation is often as much as 30-90 minutes, as the average duration of sleep cycles in the second half of night sleep (and/or other sleep processes) varies between as much as 30 minutes and 90 minutes. Such variations are not acceptable to users who are intended to wake up at a particular time.

Advantageously, system 10 reduces sleep inertia while still meeting the preferred wake-up time set by subject 12 and/or other users. The system 10 takes advantage of the fact that: brain electrical activity (e.g., as measured by, for example, electroencephalography (EEG)) may be entrained during sleep by ambient stimuli (e.g., auditory stimuli as described herein and/or other stimuli). System 10 modulates brain activity of subject 12 towards faster oscillatory activity (which is characteristic of light sleep, for example) without disturbing sleep. System 10 is configured such that the intensity, frequency, and/or other parameters of the stimuli provided to subject 12 during the sleep session are modulated based on the response of subject 12 to the stimuli (e.g., EEG response).

For example, if subject 12 is in deep NREM (e.g., stage N3) or REM sleep about 45 minutes (for example) before the preferred wake-up time, system 10 delivers tones with a gradual decrease in the inter-tone interval period (e.g., an increase in EEG entrainment frequency) with a sound level just above the perception threshold (e.g., about 30 dB). This has the following effect: given the low volume of stimulation, the frequency of brain electrical activity (as measured by the EEG) that results in a light sleep and eventual arousal is increased without disturbing sleep. In some embodiments, system 10 is configured to gradually increase the volume of the stimulation, with or without modifying the inter-tone spacing, to gently guide the transition from deep NREM (phase N3 and/or phase N4) and/or REM sleep to arousal. The transition from deep sleep to light sleep includes a transition from REM or NREM stage N3 (and/or stage N4) sleep to NREM stage N2 and/or NREM stage N1 sleep.

In some embodiments, the system 10 includes one or more of the following: sensory stimulator 16, sensor 18, processor 20, electronic storage 22, user interface 24, and/or other components.

Sensory stimulator 16 is configured to provide electrical, magnetic, and/or sensory stimulation to subject 12. Sensory stimulator 16 is configured to provide electrical, magnetic, and/or other sensory stimulation to subject 12 prior to, during, and/or at other times during the sleep session. For example, sensory stimulator 16 may be configured to provide stimuli to subject 12 during deep (e.g., stage N3 and/or N4) sleep during sleep to facilitate (e.g., accelerate and/or otherwise facilitate) the transition to the lighter sleep stage. In some embodiments, sensory stimulator 16 may be configured such that facilitating transitions between deeper sleep stages and lighter sleep stages includes reducing sleep slow waves in subject 12.

Sensory stimulator 16 is configured to facilitate (e.g., accelerate and/or otherwise facilitate) transitions between sleep stages by non-invasive brain stimulation and/or other methods. Sensory stimulator 16 may be configured to facilitate transitions between sleep stages by non-invasive brain stimulation using electrical, magnetic, and/or sensory stimulation. The electrical, magnetic, and/or sensory stimulation may include auditory stimulation, visual stimulation, somatosensory stimulation, electrical stimulation, magnetic stimulation, combinations of different types of stimulation, and/or other stimulation. Electrical, magnetic, and/or sensory stimulation includes scent, sound, visual stimulation, contact, taste, somatosensory stimulation, touch, electrical stimulation, magnetic stimulation, and/or other stimulation. For example, acoustic tones may be provided to subject 12 to facilitate a transition from a deeper sleep stage to a shallower sleep stage. Examples of sensory stimulator 16 may include one or more of the following: a music player, a tone generator, a collection of electrodes on the scalp of subject 12, a unit that delivers vibratory stimulation, coils that generate a magnetic field that directly stimulates the cortex of the brain, a light generator, a fragrance dispenser, and/or other devices. In some embodiments, sensory stimulator 16 is configured to adjust the intensity, timing, and/or other parameters of the stimulation provided to subject 12. In some embodiments, sensory stimulator 16 is configured to provide electrical and/or magnetic stimulation only to subject 12.

Sensor 18 is configured to generate output signals conveying information related to brain activity, activity of the central nervous system, and/or activity of the peripheral nervous system of subject 12. The activity of subject 12 may correspond to the current sleep stage of subject 12. The current sleep stage of subject 12 may be associated with Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, and/or other sleep. The current sleep stage of subject 12 may be one or more of: NREM stage N1, stage N2, stage N3, or stage N4 sleep, REM sleep, and/or other sleep stages. In some embodiments, nemm phases 3 and/or 4 may be slow wave (e.g., deep) sleep. The sensor 18 may include one or more sensors that directly measure such parameters. For example, sensors 18 may include electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes configured to detect electrical activity along the scalp of subject 12 resulting from current flow within the brain of subject 12. Sensors 18 may include one or more sensors that indirectly generate output signals conveying information related to the activity of subject 12. For example, one or more sensors 18 may generate output based on a heart rate of subject 12 (e.g., sensor 18 may be a heart rate sensor positioned on the chest of subject 12, and/or configured as a bracelet on the wrist of subject 12, and/or positioned on another limb of subject 12), movement of subject 12 (e.g., sensor 18 may include a bracelet around the wrist and/or ankle of subject 12 with an accelerometer, such that sleep may be analyzed using a actimeter signal), respiration of subject 12, and/or other characteristics of subject 12. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors include one or more of: EEG electrodes, Electrooculogram (EOG) electrodes, actimeter sensors, Electrocardiogram (EKG) electrodes, respiration sensors, pressure sensors, vital sign cameras, plethysmography (PPG) sensors, functional near infrared sensors (fNIR), temperature sensors, and/or other sensors. Although sensor 18 is illustrated at a single location near subject 12, this is not intended to be limiting. Sensors 18 may include sensors disposed in a plurality of locations, such as, for example, within (or in communication with) sensory stimulator 16, coupled (in a removable manner) with clothing of subject 12, worn by subject 12 (e.g., as a headband, wristband, etc.), positioned to be directed at subject 12 while subject 12 is asleep (e.g., a camera that conveys output signals related to movement of subject 12), coupled with a bed and/or other furniture in which subject 12 is asleep, and/or in other locations.

Processor 20 is configured to provide information processing capabilities in system 10. Thus, the processor 20 may include one or more of the following: a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information. Although processor 20 is shown in fig. 1 as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some embodiments, processor 20 may include a plurality of processing units. These processing units may be physically located within the same device (e.g., sensory stimulator 16, user interface 24, etc.), or processor 20 may represent processing functionality of multiple devices operating in coordination. In some embodiments, the processor 20 may be and/or included in a computing device (such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, smartphone, tablet computer, server, and/or other computing device). Such computing devices may run one or more electronic applications having a graphical user interface configured to facilitate user interaction with system 10.

As shown in fig. 1, the processor 20 is configured to execute one or more computer program components. The one or more computer program components may include one or more of the following: a brain activity component 30, a target component 32, a comparison component 34, a control component 36, and/or other components. The processor 20 may be configured through software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor 20 operate

components

30, 32, 34, and/or 36.

It should be appreciated that although

components

30, 32, 34, and 36 are illustrated in fig. 1 as being co-located within a single processing unit, in embodiments in which processor 20 includes multiple processing units, one or more of

components

30, 32, 34, and/or 36 may be located remotely from the other components. The description of the functionality provided by the

different components

30, 32, 34, and/or 36 described below is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as any of

components

30, 32, 34, and/or 36 may provide more or less functionality than is described. For example, one or more of

components

30, 32, 34, and/or 36 may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality may be provided by

other components

30, 32, 34, and/or 36. As another example, processor 20 may be configured to execute one or more additional components that may perform some or all of the functionality attributed below to one of

components

30, 32, 34, and/or 36.

Brain activity component 30 is configured to determine one or more activity parameters of subject 12. Brain activity component 30 is configured to determine one or more activity parameters based on the output signals from sensors 18 and/or other information. In some embodiments, determining one or more activity parameters may include generating and/or monitoring an EEG during the sleep process of subject 12. The EEG may be displayed by the user interface 24, for example. In some embodiments, the brain activity component 30 is configured such that the one or more activity parameters are and/or relate to frequency, amplitude, phase, presence of specific sleep patterns such as spindle waves, K-complexes or sleep slow waves, alpha waves, and/or other characteristics of EEG signals. In some embodiments, the one or more activity parameters are determined based on the frequency, amplitude, and/or other characteristics of the EEG signal. In some embodiments, the determined activity parameters and/or characteristics of the EEG may be and/or indicate sleep stages corresponding to REM and/or NREM sleep stages described above. In some embodiments, the determined activity parameter is the REM and/or NREM sleep stages described above.

For example, typical EEG characteristics during NREM sleep include a transition from alpha waves (e.g., about 8-12Hz) to theta waves (e.g., about 4-7Hz) for sleep stage N1; the presence of sleep spindles (e.g., approximately 11 to 16Hz) and/or K-complexes (e.g., similar to sleep slow waves) for sleep stage N2; the presence of delta waves (e.g., about 0.5 to 2Hz) with peak-to-peak amplitudes greater than about 75uV for sleep stages N3 and/or N4 (also referred to as sleep slow waves); and/or other characteristics. In some embodiments, light sleep may be characterized by the fact that: alpha activity (e.g., EEG power in the 8-12Hz band) is no longer present, and slow wave activity is not present. In addition, the spindle wave activity (EEG power in the 11 to 16Hz band) may be high. Deep sleep can be characterized by the fact that: delta activity (e.g., EEG power in the 0.5 to 4Hz band) is dominant. In some embodiments, brain activity component 30 is configured to determine one or more activity parameters at predetermined times (e.g., intervals), substantially continuously, and/or at other times. In some embodiments, the activity parameter may be determined based on Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, actimeter signals, body temperature signals, Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) signals, and/or other information related to the central nervous system and/or peripheral nervous system of subject 12. In some embodiments, in addition to and/or in lieu of distinguishing between the different sleep stages described above, brain activity component 30 is configured to distinguish between light sleep and deep sleep in a binary manner (e.g., as described above).

The target component 32 is configured to receive a target wake up time for the subject 12. In some embodiments, the target wake up time may be a time of day, an amount of time in the future, and/or other times. The target wake up time may be a time at which subject 12 and/or other user desires to wake up from sleep (e.g., from a sleep night, nap, etc.). For example, the subject 12 and/or other user may set his own wake-up time (e.g., via the user interface 24) before going to sleep. In some embodiments, target component 32 is configured such that subject 12 and/or other users may input and/or select a target wake up time via a user interface (e.g., user interface 24 described above) and/or other components of system 10. For example, the target component 32 may control the user interface 24 to display one or more fields in one or more views of the graphical user interface that facilitate entry and/or selection of a wake time. In some embodiments, the target wake up time may be received in other manners. For example, in some embodiments, receiving the target wake up time may include: determining a wake up time based on a previous sleep session of subject 12; determining a wake up time based on previous sleep sessions of a population of subjects related to subject 12; receiving information from an external computing system (e.g., an alarm clock wake system); obtaining information determined at the time of manufacture; and/or obtain information by other methods.

Comparison component 34 is configured to determine whether one or more activity parameters indicate that subject 12 is in deep sleep a predetermined amount of time prior to the target wake up time. In some embodiments, the predetermined amount of time may be obtained from and/or determined based on external standard data that specifies a recommended duration of deep sleep for subject 12 (using, for example, demographic matching information). Such standard data may be obtained from articles and/or other data sources, such as, for example, similar and/or identical to "Ohayon, m.m., Carskadon, M.a, guillemenault, c., & viierlo, m.v. (2004. Meta-analysis of qualitative sheet parameters from a chip to an oil in a hierarchy guide: horizontal normal sheet values across the human life span. slide, 27(7), 1255-1273". By way of non-limiting example, the predetermined amount of time may be determined based on a recommended amount of time in deep sleep, including: for the age range of 20-30 years, about 17.5 ± 4.5 percent of total sleep during sleep (e.g., 74.9 ± 19.7 minutes for a typical nocturnal sleep session); for the age range of 30-40 years, about 13.2 ± 7.4 percent of total sleep during sleep (e.g., 54.3 ± 30.5 minutes for a typical nighttime sleep session); and for the age range of 40-50 years, about 13.7 ± 7.4 percent of total sleep during sleep (e.g., 54.3 ± 29.3 minutes for a typical nighttime sleep session).

In some embodiments, comparison component 34 is configured to determine whether the one or more activity parameters indicate that subject 12 is in deep sleep a predetermined amount of time prior to the target wake up time by comparing the one or more activity parameters to the target range for the one or more activity parameters corresponding to deep sleep and/or light sleep. For example, in embodiments in which one or more activity parameters includes and/or is a sleep stage itself, comparison component 34 is configured to compare the current sleep stage (e.g., N3) of subject 12 at a predetermined amount of time prior to the target wake up time with the target sleep stage (e.g., N2 and/or N1) for that time. As another example, in some embodiments, determining whether the one or more activity parameters indicate that the subject is in deep sleep a predetermined amount of time prior to the target wake up time includes comparing the one or more activity parameters to the target range. In some embodiments, comparing one or more activity parameters to a target range includes comparing a given activity parameter (e.g., density of slow waves, EEG band power ratio, etc.) to one or more thresholds for that parameter indicative of light sleep. The comparison component 34 may determine whether the given activity parameter is within the target range based on whether the given activity parameter has breached one or more of the thresholds. For example, brain activity component 30 may determine that subject 12 is in stage N3 sleep based on a ratio of power levels in beta and delta bands for EEG of individual sleep stages and preprogrammed power level ratio thresholds (e.g., determined at manufacture). Comparison component 34 may be configured to compare the current power level ratio determined by brain activity component 30 to a previously determined threshold ratio for stage N2 and/or N1 sleep to determine that subject 12 is not in stage N2 or N1 sleep.

Control component 36 is configured to control sensory stimulator 16 to provide stimulation to subject 12 to direct the activity parameters of subject 12. Control component 36 is configured to cause sensory stimulator 16 to control the frequency and/or intensity of stimulation to direct one or more activity parameters of subject 12 in response to comparison component 34 indicating (e.g., via one or more activity parameters) that subject 12 is in deep sleep at a given amount of time prior to the target wake up time. One or more activity parameters are directed to facilitate (e.g., accelerate and/or otherwise facilitate) a transition from deep sleep to light sleep prior to a target wake moment. One or more activity parameters are directed to facilitate a transition from deep sleep to light sleep prior to the target wake up time such that subject 12 is naturally aroused from sleep at or near the target wake up time. In some embodiments, the one or more activity parameters are related to Slow Wave Activity (SWA) of the subject, and controlling the frequency and/or intensity of the stimulation affects the SWA in the subject to promote a gradual transition from deep sleep to light sleep. In some embodiments, the one or more hardware processors are configured such that the one or more activity parameters relate to EEG power in a predetermined frequency band for the subject (e.g., power in a delta (from 0.5 to 4Hz) band, power in a theta (from 4 to 8Hz) band, power in an alpha (from 8 to 12Hz) band, and/or power in a beta (from 15 to 30Hz) band), and controlling the frequency and/or intensity of the stimulus affects the EEG power in the predetermined frequency band for the subject to facilitate a gradual transition from deep sleep to light sleep. In some embodiments, the transition from deep sleep to light sleep includes a transition from REM or NREM stage N3 and/or N4 sleep to NREM stage N2 and/or NREM stage N1 sleep and/or other sleep stages. In some embodiments, control component 36 is configured to control sensory stimulator 16 to provide stimulation to subject 12 to direct activity parameters (e.g., sleep stage, density of slow waves, EEG power band ratios, etc.) of subject 12 into a range indicating light sleep in response to the activity parameters of subject 12 being outside of a range indicating light sleep for those parameters.

Controlling sensory stimulator 16 includes determining the timing, frequency, intensity, and/or other parameters of the stimulation provided to subject 12. The timing, frequency, intensity, and/or other parameters of the stimulation provided to subject 12 may be controlled to reduce sleep slow waves in subject 12, e.g., during a sleep session, to facilitate (e.g., accelerate and/or otherwise facilitate) a transition from a deeper sleep stage to a lighter sleep stage. The timing, frequency, intensity, and/or other parameters are based on previous sleep sessions of subject 12, sleep sessions of a representative group of subjects associated with subject 12, may be determined at the time of manufacture, based on output signals from sensors 18, and/or by other methods.

In some embodiments, control component 36 is configured to control sensory stimulator 16 such that the timing of sensory stimulation (e.g., auditory tones) includes regular repeating time intervals between individual stimuli delivered to subject 12. This type of stimulation may affect the EEG by entraining the electrical activity of the brain of subject 12. The possibility of inducing electrical activity at higher, lower, and/or other stimulation timings, frequencies, and/or intensities to facilitate (e.g., accelerate and/or otherwise facilitate) transitions from N4 and/or N3 to N2, from N2 to N1, and/or between any other sleep stages is also envisioned. For example, in some embodiments, control component 36 is configured such that the timing of the stimulation is variable between individual stimulations. In some embodiments, the stimulation is customized by control component 36 based on information from sensor 18, brain activity component 30, target component 32, comparison component 34, and/or other sources. The stimulation is customized by the control component 36 to entrain EEG in the frequency band(s) where there is a difference (e.g., including both insufficient and/or excessive) between the range of activity parameters for the target sleep stage (e.g., stage N2 and/or stage N1) and the activity parameters for the current sleep stage (e.g., stage N4, stage N3, and/or REM).

In some embodiments, control component 36 may control sensory stimulator 16 to provide stimulation during the sleep session so that the stimulation does not unintentionally wake subject 12. Controlling sensory stimulator 16 to provide stimulation such that subject 12 does not inadvertently wake from sleep may be accomplished by controlling the timing, frequency, intensity, and/or other parameters of the stimulation.

For example, control component 36 may control sensory stimulator 16 to provide stimulation at a low intensity level when subject 12 is about to transition to a lighter sleep stage but remains asleep and to provide stimulation at a high intensity level in the event subject 12 is about to wake from sleep (described below). The control component 36 may be configured such that the intensity of the stimulus is adjusted based on the likelihood of arousal. The comparison component 36 is configured to determine the likelihood of arousals being generated based on instantaneous EEG power in the beta band and/or by other methods. In some embodiments, the comparison component 34 may determine whether the subject 12 is awake at the target wake up time. In response to subject 12 remaining in light sleep at the target wake up time, control component 36 is configured to cause one or more sensory stimulators 16 to control the frequency and/or intensity of the stimulation to wake up subject 12.

Fig. 2 diagrammatically illustrates operations performed by the system 10 (shown in fig. 1). In fig. 2, line 200 depicts the sleep architecture of subject 12 during the sleep session. In this example, the system 10 has received a target wake up time 202 (e.g., 7 am) from the subject 12 (fig. 1). At a predetermined amount of time 204 (e.g., 45min) prior to the target wake up time 202, the system 10 determines whether the subject 12 is in deep sleep 206, 208 (e.g., REM and/or phase N4/N3 as described above). In this example, subject 12 is in stage N3 sleep 208. In response to determining that subject 12 is in deep sleep (e.g., sleep 208) at predetermined time 204, system 10 begins stimulating 210 subject 12 (e.g., via auditory tones). As shown in fig. 2, dashed line 212 indicates that subject 12 gradually leads from deep sleep into stage N2 and then into stage N1 sleep, which facilitates waking up without feeling stunning. Directing the subject 12 into stage N2 before the target wake up time 202 and then into N1 sleep increases the probability that the subject 12 naturally wakes up close to (but not later than) the target wake up time 202. In this example, if subject 12 is using a conventional alarm system, the conventional system would have delayed 214 the wake-up time 18 minutes to wait for line 200 to indicate that subject 12 is no longer in stage N3 sleep 208 or REM sleep 206.

Returning to FIG. 1, electronic storage 22 comprises an electronic storage medium that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of electronic storage 22 may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with system 10 and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to system 10 via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). The electronic storage 22 may include one or more of the following: optically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g., EPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage media. Electronic storage 22 may store software algorithms, information determined by processor 20, information received via user interface 24 and/or an external computing system, and/or other information that enables system 10 to function properly. Electronic storage 22 may be (in whole or in part) a separate component within system 10, or electronic storage 22 may be provided (in whole or in part) integrally with one or more other components of system 10 (e.g., processor 20).

User interface 24 is configured to provide an interface between system 10 and object 12 and/or other users by which object 12 and/or other users may provide information (e.g., a target wake up time) to system 10 and receive information from the system. This enables data, prompts, results, and/or instructions and any other communicable items (collectively referred to as "information") to be communicated between a user (e.g., subject 12) and one or more of sensory stimulator 16, sensors 18, processor 20, and/or other components of system 10. For example, the EEG may be displayed to the caregiver via the user interface 24. As another example, the user interface 24 may be and/or included in a computing device (such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, smartphone, tablet computer, and/or other computing device). Such computing devices may run one or more electronic applications having graphical user interfaces configured to provide information to and/or receive information from users.

Examples of interface devices suitable for inclusion in the user interface 24 include keypads, buttons, switches, keyboards, knobs, levers, display screens, touch screens, speakers, microphones, indicator lights, audible alerts, printers, tactile feedback devices, and/or other interface devices. In some embodiments, user interface 24 includes a plurality of separate interfaces. In some embodiments, user interface 24 includes at least one interface provided integrally with processor 20 and/or other components of system 10. In some embodiments, the user interface 24 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the processor 20 and/or other components of the system 10.

It should be understood that other communication techniques, either hardwired or wireless, are also envisioned by the present disclosure as user interface 24. For example, the present disclosure contemplates that user interface 24 may be integrated with a removable storage interface provided by electronic storage 22. In this example, information may be loaded into the system 10 from a removable device (e.g., a smart card, a flash drive, a removable disk, etc.) that enables the user(s) to customize the implementation of the system 10. Other exemplary input devices and techniques suitable for use with system 10 as user interface 24 include, but are not limited to, an RS-232 port, an RF link, an IR link, a (telephone, cable, or other) modem. In short, any technique for communicating information with system 10 is envisioned by the present disclosure as user interface 24.

External resources 26 include information sources (e.g., databases, websites, etc.), entities external to participation system 10 (e.g., a healthcare provider's medical recording system), medical and/or other devices configured to communicate with and/or be controlled by system 10 (e.g., lights and/or other lighting devices, sound systems, audio and/or visual recording devices, etc.), one or more sensors external to system 10, a network (e.g., the internet), electronic storage devices, devices related to Wi-Fi technology, etc

Technology-related devices, data input devices, sensors, scanners, computing devices associated with individual users, and/or other resources. For example, in some embodiments, external resources 26 include one or more external lighting devices controlled by processor 20 to provide stimuli to subject 12. In some embodiments, some or all of the functionality attributed herein to the external resource 26 may be comprised byIncluding resource provisioning in system 10. External resources 26 may be configured to communicate with processor 20, user interface 24, sensors 18, electronic storage 22, sensory stimulator 16, and/or other components of system 10 via wired and/or wireless connections, via a network (e.g., a local area network and/or the internet), via cellular technology, via Wi-Fi technology, and/or via other resources.

In fig. 1, sensory stimulator 16, sensor 18, processor 20, electronic storage 22, and user interface 24 are shown as separate entities. This is not intended to be limiting. Some and/or all of the components of system 10 and/or other components may be grouped into one or more single devices. For example, fig. 3 illustrates a headset 300 worn by a subject 302 that includes a sensing electrode 304 and a wireless audio device 306. Sensing electrode 304 may be represented, for example, by sensor 18 in fig. 1. The wireless audio device 306 may be represented, for example, by the sensory stimulator 16 shown in fig. 1. Fig. 3 also illustrates a light 308 (e.g., a portion of external resource 26) controlled by system 10 to generate light of a given intensity and/or frequency to facilitate arousal of subject 302.

Fig. 4 illustrates a method 400 for facilitating arousal in a subject using an arousal system. The system includes one or more sensory stimulators, one or more sensors, one or more hardware processors, and/or other components. The one or more hardware processors are configured to execute the computer program components. The computer program components include a brain activity component, a target component, a comparison component, a control component, and/or other components. The operations of method 400 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method 400 may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Further, the order in which the operations of method 400 are illustrated in fig. 4 and described below is not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, method 400 may be implemented in one or more processing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information). The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices executing some or all of the operations of method 400 in response to instructions stored electronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices configured through hardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed for operation of one or more of the methods of method 400.

At operation 402, a target wake up time may be received. In some embodiments, the target wake up time may be a time of day, an amount of time in the future, and/or other times. The target wake up time may be the time at which the subject and/or other user wishes to wake from sleep. In some embodiments, the subject and/or other user may input and/or select the target wake up time via a user interface (e.g., user interface 24 described above) and/or other components of the system. In some embodiments, the target wake up time may be received in other manners. In some embodiments, operation 402 is performed by a processor component that is the same as or similar to target component 32 (shown in fig. 1 and described herein).

At operation 404, output signals are generated that convey information related to brain activity, activity of the central nervous system, and/or activity of the peripheral nervous system. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors include one or more of: EEG electrodes, EOG electrodes, actimeter sensors, EKG electrodes, respiration sensors, pressure sensors, vital sign cameras, PPG sensors, fNIR sensors, and/or other sensors. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to generate an EEG based on the output signal. In some embodiments, operation 404 is by one or more sensors that are the same as or similar to sensor 18 (shown in fig. 1 and described herein).

At operation 406, one or more activity parameters are determined. The one or more activity parameters may be determined based on the output signals and/or other information. In some embodiments, the activity parameters may be determined based on, for example, an EEG. The one or more activity parameters may relate to the frequency of the EEG and/or other parameters. In some embodiments, operation 406 may include determining a current sleep stage of the subject. In some embodiments, operation 406 is performed by a processor component that is the same as or similar to brain activity component 30 (shown in fig. 1 and described herein).

Operation 408 comprises determining whether the one or more activity parameters indicate that the subject is in deep sleep (e.g., stage N3) a predetermined amount of time before the target wake up time. In some embodiments, the current sleep stage may be compared to a target sleep stage (e.g., N1 and/or N2) corresponding to the moment in the sleep process. In some embodiments, operation 408 is performed by a processor component that is the same as or similar to comparison component 34 (shown in fig. 1 and described herein).

At operation 410, the sensory stimulator is controlled to provide electrical, magnetic, and/or sensory stimulation to the subject. In some embodiments, the stimulus may include one or more of an auditory stimulus, a visual stimulus, a somatosensory stimulus, and/or other stimulus. The sensory stimulator is controlled to provide stimulation to the subject to guide the activity parameter of the subject. The sensory stimulator is controlled such that the frequency and/or intensity of stimulation provided to the subject guides one or more activity parameters of the subject and facilitates (e.g., accelerates and/or otherwise facilitates) the transition from deep sleep to light sleep prior to the target wake moment. In some embodiments, in response to the one or more activity parameters indicating that the subject is in deep sleep, the sensory stimulator is controlled to provide a stimulus to the subject to transition the subject's current sleep stage to a lighter sleep stage. In some embodiments, the one or more sensory stimulators control the frequency and/or intensity of the stimulation provided to the subject to guide one or more activity parameters of the subject and facilitate a transition from deep sleep to light sleep prior to the target wake up time such that the subject is naturally aroused from sleep at or near the target wake up time. In some embodiments, in response to the subject already being in a light sleep stage (e.g., N1, N2), the system is configured to promote natural arousal with little or no stimulus provided to the subject.

In some embodiments, the one or more activity parameters are related to SWA in the subject, and controlling the frequency and/or intensity of the stimulation affects SWA in the subject to promote a gradual transition from deep sleep to light sleep. In some embodiments, the one or more hardware processors are configured such that the one or more activity parameters relate to EEG power in a predetermined frequency band for the subject (e.g., power in a delta (from 0.5 to 4Hz) band, power in a theta (from 4 to 8Hz) band, power in an alpha (from 8 to 12Hz) band, and/or power in a beta (from 15 to 30Hz) band), and controlling the frequency and/or intensity of the stimulus affects the EEG power in the predetermined frequency band for the subject to facilitate a gradual transition from deep sleep to light sleep. In some embodiments, the transition from deep sleep to light sleep comprises a transition from REM or NREM stage 3 sleep to NREM stage 2 and/or NREM stage 1 sleep. In some embodiments, operation 410 includes determining whether the object wakes up at the target wake up time. In response to the subject remaining in light sleep at the target wake up time (e.g., after being guided by the system from deep sleep to light sleep), operation 410 may include causing the one or more sensory stimulators to control the frequency and/or intensity of the stimulation to wake the subject. In some embodiments, operation 410 is performed by a processor component that is the same as or similar to control component 36 (shown in fig. 1 and described herein).

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" or "comprises" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these elements cannot be used to advantage.

While the foregoing description has been provided for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. A system (10) configured to facilitate arousal of a subject (12) during a sleep session, the system comprising:

one or more sensory stimulators (16) configured to provide electrical, magnetic and/or sensory stimulation to the subject during the sleep session;

one or more sensors (18) configured to generate output signals conveying information related to brain activity, activity of the central nervous system, and/or activity of the peripheral nervous system of the subject; and

one or more hardware processors (20) configured by machine-readable instructions to:

receiving a target wake up time for the subject;

determining one or more activity parameters of the subject during the sleep session based on the output signals;

determining whether the one or more activity parameters indicate that the subject is in deep sleep a predetermined amount of time before the target wake up time, wherein the predetermined amount of time before the target wake up time is determined based on external standard data that specifies a recommended duration of deep sleep for the subject using demographic matching information; and is

In response to the one or more activity parameters indicating that the subject is in deep sleep for the predetermined amount of time prior to the target wake up time, causing the one or more sensory stimulators to control the frequency and/or intensity of the stimulation to guide the one or more activity parameters of the subject and to facilitate a transition from deep sleep to light sleep prior to the target wake up time such that the subject naturally wakes up from sleep at or near the target wake up time.

2. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are configured such that the one or more activity parameters relate to electroencephalographic (EEG) power in a predetermined frequency band for the subject, and wherein controlling the frequency and/or the intensity of the stimulus affects the EEG power in the predetermined frequency band for the subject to facilitate a gradual transition from deep sleep to light sleep.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are configured such that the transition from deep sleep to light sleep comprises a transition from REM or NREM stage 3 sleep to NREM stage 2 and/or NREM stage 1 sleep.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured to determine whether the subject is awake at the target wake time, and to cause the one or more sensory stimulators to control the frequency and/or the intensity of the electrical, magnetic, and/or sensory stimuli to wake the subject in response to the subject remaining in light sleep at the target wake time.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensory stimulators are configured such that the electrical, magnetic and/or sensory stimulation comprises one or more of: auditory stimulation, visual stimulation, electrical stimulation, magnetic stimulation, or somatosensory stimulation.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more of: electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, Electrooculogram (EOG) electrodes, body-motion meter sensors, Electrocardiogram (EKG) electrodes, respiration sensors, pressure sensors, vital sign cameras, vascular volume map (PPG) sensors, temperature sensors, or functional near infrared sensors (fNIR).

7. A method for facilitating arousal of a subject (12) during a sleep session with an arousal system, the system including one or more sensory stimulators (16), one or more sensors (18), and one or more hardware processors (20), the method comprising:

receiving, with the one or more hardware processors, a target wake up time for the object;

generating, with the one or more sensors, output signals conveying information related to brain activity, activity of a central nervous system, and/or activity of a peripheral nervous system of the subject;

determining, with the one or more hardware processors, one or more activity parameters of the subject during the sleep process based on the output signals;

determining, with the one or more hardware processors, whether the one or more activity parameters indicate that the subject is in deep sleep a predetermined amount of time before the target wake up time, wherein the predetermined amount of time before the target wake up time is determined based on external standard data that specifies a recommended duration of deep sleep for the subject using demographic matching information; and is

Causing, with the one or more hardware processors, in response to the one or more activity parameters indicating that the subject is in deep sleep for the predetermined amount of time prior to the target wake time, the one or more sensory stimulators to control a frequency and/or intensity of electrical, magnetic, and/or sensory stimulation provided to the subject to guide the one or more activity parameters of the subject and to facilitate a transition from deep sleep to light sleep prior to the target wake time such that the subject naturally wakes from sleep at or near the target wake time.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more activity parameters relate to electroencephalographic (EEG) power in a predetermined frequency band for the subject, and wherein controlling the frequency and/or the intensity of the stimulus affects the EEG power in the predetermined frequency band for the subject to facilitate a gradual transition from deep sleep to light sleep.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the transition from deep sleep to light sleep comprises a transition from REM or NREM stage 3 sleep to NREM stage 2 and/or NREM stage 1 sleep.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising: determining, with the one or more hardware processors, whether the subject is awake at the target wake up time, and, in response to the subject remaining in light sleep at the target wake up time, causing, with the one or more hardware processors, the one or more sensory stimulators to control the frequency and/or the intensity of the stimulation to wake up the subject.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the electrical, magnetic and/or sensory stimulation comprises one or more of: auditory stimulation, visual stimulation, electrical stimulation, magnetic stimulation, or somatosensory stimulation.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more of: electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, Electrooculogram (EOG) electrodes, body-motion meter sensors, Electrocardiogram (EKG) electrodes, respiration sensors, pressure sensors, vital sign cameras, vascular volume map (PPG) sensors, temperature sensors, or functional near infrared sensors (fNIR).

13. A system (10) for facilitating arousals in a subject (12) during a sleep session, the system comprising:

Means (20) for receiving a target wake up time for the subject;

means (18) for generating output signals conveying information related to brain activity, activity of the central nervous system, and/or activity of the peripheral nervous system of the subject;

means (20) for determining one or more activity parameters of the subject during the sleep session based on the output signals;

means (20) for determining whether the one or more activity parameters indicate that the subject is in deep sleep a predetermined amount of time before the target wake up time, wherein the predetermined amount of time before the target wake up time is determined based on external standard data that specifies a recommended duration of deep sleep for the subject using demographic matching information; and

means (20) for controlling a frequency and/or intensity of electrical, magnetic, and/or sensory stimulation provided to the subject to direct the one or more activity parameters of the subject and to facilitate a transition from deep sleep to light sleep prior to the target wake-up time such that the subject naturally wakes from sleep at or near the target wake-up time in response to the one or more activity parameters indicating that the subject is in deep sleep for the predetermined amount of time prior to the target wake-up time.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more activity parameters relate to electroencephalographic (EEG) power in a predetermined frequency band for the subject, and wherein controlling the frequency and/or intensity of the stimulus affects the EEG power in the predetermined frequency band for the subject to facilitate a gradual transition from deep sleep to light sleep.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the transition from deep sleep to light sleep comprises a transition from REM or NREM stage 3 sleep to NREM stage 2 and/or NREM stage 1 sleep.

16. The system of claim 13, further comprising: means (20) for determining whether the subject is awake at the target wake up time, and means (20) for causing the means for generating electrical, magnetic, and/or sensory stimuli to control the frequency and/or the intensity of the stimuli to wake up the subject in response to the subject remaining in light sleep at the target wake up time.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the electrical, magnetic, and/or sensory stimulation comprises one or more of: auditory stimulation, visual stimulation, electrical stimulation, magnetic stimulation, or somatosensory stimulation.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein the means for generating an output signal comprises one or more of: electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, Electrooculogram (EOG) electrodes, body-motion meter sensors, Electrocardiogram (EKG) electrodes, respiration sensors, pressure sensors, vital sign cameras, vascular volume map (PPG) sensors, temperature sensors, or functional near infrared sensors (fNIR).